London’s iconic open-air wooden ‘O’ shaped theatre has lots to enjoy over the summer…
With tickets to shows starting from £5, the Globe is a world-class and affordable way to experience the best the city has to offer. Spend a full day exploring the world of Shakespeare in the new exhibition, on a guided tour or in a family workshop, and enjoy a delicious meal at the Swan, before watching a show.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs until 12th August starring artistic director Michelle Terry as Puck, there’s a special Midsummer midnight matinee on 24th June.
The Comedy of Errors runs until 29th July, Macbeth 21st July to 28th October, and As You Like It 18th August to 29th October.
Midsummer Mechanicals, The Olivier Award nominated family show, based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, runs 22nd July – 26th August, following Peter Quince’s acting troupe – known as the Mechanicals – as they attempt to recapture the success of their first hit Pyramus and Thisbe, a show so bold, brilliant and chaotic that it went down in theatre history.
Running throughout the summer, Family Workshops and Storytellings are the perfect way to introduce younger audiences to Shakespeare and bring his plays to life. Guided Tours and Sword Fighting Demonstrations created for younger audiences are the perfect addition to a full family day out at the Globe.
Audiences can enjoy a pre-show drink with a stunning view across the Thames and overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral, or indulge in A Midsummer Night’s Dream themed afternoon tea at our on-site restaurant Swan at the Globe.
Grab your free tickets to kick-start your dream home project, with a visit to Build It Live in Bicester on 10th & 11th June
If you’re planning a self-build, renovating a property or looking to add more space to your current home, then you can’t afford to miss this! As the UK’s most practical self-build and renovation show, Build It Live has been designed to help people through each stage of the process – from finding land to hiring an architect, and sourcing materials for your build.
The exhibition, which will take place at Bicester Heritage, will provide two full days of inspiration, advice and practical tips to ensure you get the home you want – finished on time, and on budget. Within the exhibition hall, you’ll be able to meet hundreds of the UK’s leading suppliers and manufacturers, offering everything from build systems to sliding doors, so you can compare products before making those important buying decisions.
But that’s not all! The show has been designed as a one-stop shop for all your information needs. Over the two days, you’ll be able to attend free seminars and workshops, hosted by industry experts and covering topics such as how to fund your self-build project, heating options for your home and the different routes to managing your project.
Architects, planners and finance experts will also be on hand, offering free, independent advice in one-to-one sessions. You’ll be able to sit down and have a face-to-face chat, talk through your plans or concerns, and gain the insight you need to move your scheme forward!
Here are just some of the other great features you’ll be able to experience at the show:
THE LAND ZONE
Stop by the Land Zone to browse real plots for sale across the UK, gain advice about the various route to finding land, and speak to representatives from the latest serviced plot projects.
THE NAKED HOUSE
See a cut-away show home at ‘first fix’ – a fascinating insight into how things are installed in a new home, from insulation and underfloor heating, to the roof trusses and floor joists.
SELF-BUILDERS’ OWN STORIES
Gain inspiration and confidence from Build It readers who have already completed their own project. Hear their story, pick up some top tips, and learn from their mistakes.
STRIKING GLAZING OPTIONS
The show will offer a wide variety of specialists, demonstrating a huge range of glazing options, from bifold and sliding doors, to windows and rooflights.
TROUBLESHOOTING CLINICS
The show will also have four dedicated clinics, for build costs, heating, basements and extensions – where you’ll be able to chat to experts and troubleshoot your scheme.
Don’t miss out! The standard ticket price is £12 per person, but as a Round & About reader you can claim a pair of complimentary tickets to the show. For further information and to book your free tickets, visit: Book tickets to Build It Live Bicester 2023
Enjoy a fantastic family day at Windsor Racecourse this Bank Holiday Monday, with 6 races to keep you on your toes
Racing is Everyone’s Turf. From thrilling sport action to spending time with the family, racing has something for everyone and Under 18s Race Free.
From thrilling sport action and the chance to dress up or down, racing has something for everyone and Under 18s Race Free. From June to September, Britain’s 59 racecourses hold more than 40 family days throughout the summer, with the aim of engaging younger audiences and introducing them to the world of racing with exciting and fun activities.
Enjoy a fantastic family day at Windsor Racecourse this Bank Holiday Monday, with 6 races to keep you on your toes. It will be the perfect day out with plenty of entertainment for the kids, including the chance to walk the racetrack and see horses up close, inflatable fun rides, Braniac’s live science experiments and the chance to meet the mad scientists.
Students, staff, governors and guests have celebrated the official opening of St Helen and St Katharine’s new Sixth Form Centre – the Benedict Building
Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire – and former Headmistress of St Helen and St Katharine – Lady Cynthia Hall joined the celebrations to cut the ribbon and declare the Benedict Building officially open.
In her speech, Lady Hall emphasised the importance of a dedicated Sixth Form Centre that recognises the need for a more grown-up space and where Sixth Form students’ studying needs are attended to.
The new state-of-the-art building is a physical articulation of the school’s vision for Sixth Form and is all about creating spaces that respond to how students work and how they relax. It deliberately anticipates the design ethos of higher education, smoothing the transition from school to university. It features nine spacious classrooms, a range of study spaces, an HE library, a lecture and performance hall, a large common room – and, of course, the all-important café.
Headmistress Rebecca Dougall reflected on the occasion: “I am enormously proud that we have delivered on a vision to create a building that inspires the amazing students from St Helen and St Katharine – and indeed from Abingdon School – and one which anticipates the the aesthetic and utility of the best architecture to be found on university campuses. We are hugely grateful to our outstanding project partners from TSH Architects, Ridge and Partners, and Benfield and Loxley who translated our vision for Sixth Form into a wonderful space and design and delivered an environmentally considerate building.”
The Benedict Building has been warmly received by the school community and Sixth Form students have enjoyed choosing their favourite spots as they have settled into their new home. Esme (Lower Sixth) shared her experience of the new centre: “The spacious, bright, university-like workspaces make me feel so much more motivated to work. The common room is the perfect social area to relax and wind down during break times. When leaving for lessons or study periods, we feel ready to be productive, especially when being fuelled by snacks from the café.”
St Helen and St Katharine will be hosting an exciting Sixth Form Experience Open Day on Tuesday 20th June where students who are thinking of joining the school will have the opportunity to take part in taster lessons and extracurricular activities. Parents will join at the end of the day for a tour of the school and to hear from the Headmistress and current students about life in St Helen’s Sixth Form.
Our wine columnist Giles Luckett explores the best wines from South Africa worth trying
Hello. This article was inspired by a recent South African wine tasting, one that turned out to be a simultaneous trip down memory lane and a voyage of discovery (if that doesn’t win Mixed Metaphor of the Year, nothing will!).
This vast county has 30 diverse wine districts and 60 Wine of Origin (WO) designations, boasts a mix of microclimates and soils to enable it to grow pretty much every grape variety brilliantly. They’ve also been making wine since the 1650s, so they have had plenty of time to perfect their art.
I became a fan of South African wines in my student days, as they offered affordability and drinkability in equal measure. Three decades in the wine trade has burnished my love of the country’s wines and allowed me to try everything from mighty Cabernet Sauvignons that aren’t so much dry as desiccated to that well-known heart condition treatment (well, well-known to Jane Austen) the luscious Klein Constantia. Such long experience meant I attended the tasting expecting great wines but no surprises. What I encountered came as something of a shock…
Alongside the usual cavalcade of world-class Cabernet Sauvignons (the Vergelegen Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch 2017 (Wine Society £16) was in marvellous form, so full, so refined, and typical of this wonderful vintage), cool climate Chardonnays (Journeys End Winemakers Chardonnay) (Laithwaites £14.99), and native grape classics such as the Beaumont Family Pinotage, Bot River, Walker Bay 2018 Pinotage (the Wine Society £18) was a line-up of newbies the like of which I didn’t know existed. Luscious, fruit-bomb Viogniers like the Mount Rozier Estate Queen Bee Viognier 2022 (Laithwaites £12.99), a previously unseen Tempranillo, from Mellasat Vineyards (Brompton Wines £20.9%) which took this Riojan classic and gave it even more oomph and even an orange wine. Well, no one’s perfect.
(Another) South African Wine Revolution
I’d read that South African wine had undergone one of its periodic reinventions in the past few years, but I didn’t appreciate how significant this one was. On the evidence of this extensive tasting, this is as significant a change as they moved away from making South Africian ‘port’ and ‘sherry’ and moved into table wines.
What is the revolution this time? Well, in essence, it’s about working with nature. It’s about aligning the right grapes, exploration of sites, and using the right grapes and the right production methods to give wines that are authentic, and which convey a ‘taste of place.’ The rationale behind this move varies hugely, but what is universal is the exceptional quality of the wines being produced, as the following highlights show.
Boschendale Chenin (Tesco £9) is about as traditional as South African wine gets. Chenin, or Steen as it’s known here, is planted all over the country as it used to be used for fortified wines. These days it’s mainly used to produce crisp, apple, and melon flavoured wines, the best of which, such as Boschendale’s, have a shot of citrus, honey, and minerals giving them complexity.
South African Sauvignon Blanc isn’t a wine I’m that familiar with. Like many of my generation, I was introduced to Sauvignon by the thrillingly fruit-driven gooseberry and green pepper wines of New Zealand in the late 1980s. After a year or so of drinking this style, the thrill wore off, and I’ve avoided New World Sauvignon ever since. It seems I’ve been missing out, however, as when I tasted the Journey’s End Identity Sauvignon (£9 Sainsbury’s), I found a wine of subtlety and class. The notes of gooseberries, rhubarb, and peppers are still there, but the volume’s been turned down, and peachy, yellow plum notes have fleshed it out, making for a jolly, food-friendly glassful.
Kleine Zalze is another South African winery whose wines I’ve always enjoyed. Hailing from the prestigious Stellenbosch region, their Vineyard Selection Chenin (Vinum £13.10) is a serious, grown-up wine. Oak-aged, there’s a creaminess to this wine that compliments the rich peach, guava, and apricot tones before a fresh, firm acidity pulls everything together. This would be brilliant with lemon roast chicken or mushroom risotto.
Spier is one of South Africa’s oldest wineries, and yet they produce one of its newest and rarest wines. Albarino is a grape most commonly associated with Spain, where it produces some of the country’s greatest whites. Ranging in style from the dry and crisp to the very dry and very crisp, it’s a wine I’ve always liked. The Spier Albarino (Majestic £9.99) has all the citrus you’d expect, but with its full, glycerine-rich body, it has softer, fatter notes of baked apple and pear that make it eminently drinkable.
I’ll leave the whites with Jordan Wines’ The Real McCoy Riesling 2022. Like Pinot Noir, Riesling seems to be a grape that every nation wants to do well. The quality of the grape is such that everyone wants to create ones that can rival the French and German versions. Jordan has done pretty good job, if you ask me. While this is very much a South African wine, the lovely floral, apple and honey nose, taut, crisp, green and white berry saturated palate and cleansing, mineral-laden acidity make for a compelling Riesling. I plan to try this with a stir fry, but as a solo sipper, it’s a pearl.
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape. Created in 1925 by crossing the noble Pinot Noir and commoner Cinsault (at the time, the Pinot wasn’t so much cross as flaming furious), the idea was to give a noble vine with good heat resistance. It’s a vine capable of great things in the right hands (and utterly forgettable dross in the wrong hands), as the Spier Pinotage shows. Mid-red, the nose is an inviting mix of crushed red berries, warm spices, cherries, and earth. These impressions flow onto the palate where the amble, yet rounded, tannins give it structure, and a hint of mint adds freshness. A great BBQ wine, should the sun ever shine.
Blends have always worked well in South Africa. Some of my earliest memories of South African wine are of tasting the likes of Simonsig and Meerlust’s mighty Rubicon. Having such a wealth of grapes to call upon, it’s easy to see why they are popular. One I caught up with at the tasting was Kanonkop’s Kadette (Tesco £12), the entry-level wine from the superb Kanonkop estate. Blending Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, this is an inky dark, brooding, spicy, and super-ripe wine that doesn’t so much caress your palate as give it a cuddle and offer it a blanket. If you like big, rich, spicy, and intense wines, this is a great choice.
Syrah, one of the great grapes of the Rhone Valley, is another variety you rarely see adorning South African wine labels. So when I saw the Griffin Syrah (£20 Ocado), I was intrigued. I tasted the 2016, and the bottle aging had clearly helped it. Young Syrah can be a handful, closed, tannic, brooding, and acidic. This was deep, mellow, and open. It offered a huge weight of plum, black cherry, and bramble fruit alongside signature notes of herbs, white pepper, and raspberries. Drinking well now, it has time on its side and would be fantastic with roasted red meats or hard cheeses.
I couldn’t write a piece on South African wine and not mention a Cabernet Sauvignon. This noblest of vines seems to like South Africa and consistently produces world-class wines that are as good as they are affordable. I reviewed the Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 by Ernie Els Wines last year, and it was outstanding. This time out, I looked at the 2017, which, if anything, was even better. Very dark with only a glimmer of crimson at the rim, the nose offered an intensely concentrated mix of cassis, green peppers, mint, cherries, and smoke. In the mouth, it was powerful yet elegant. Fresh blackcurrants take centre stage, but there’s excellent support from black cherries, chocolate, spicy vanilla, and a shot of cranberry acidity. A delicious wine, I’d give it plenty of time open before drinking.
I’ll finish this piece as I finished the tasting with a fizz. I’ve tasted the Graham Beck Pinot Noir Rosé (Majestic £16.99) around a dozen times in the past year, and my notes have been consistent in their praise. While I love all of Beck’s sparkling wines, the Pinot Noir Rosé is on a different level. Sweetly toned strawberries and raspberries mingle with softer flavours of brioche, black fig, creamy yeast, and a hint of saline. This will undoubtedly be our summer fizz, and with its weight and freshness, it will partner all kinds of food admirably well.
I hope this whistle-stop tour will prompt you to explore South Africa’s great wine treasury. Next time out, I’m heading back down under for some splendid summer sippers.
Book your tickets to buy second hand treasures by the kilo at a pop-up store in Leiden Square on Friday 19th, Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st May.
Westgate Oxford will welcome fast-growing sustainable fashion business ‘we are.’ on Leiden Square over Friday 19th, Saturday 20th, and Sunday 21st May.
The pop-up store will sell high-quality secondhand clothing, including womenswear and menswear from well-loved brands such as Tommy Hilfiger and Nike, alongside authentic vintage items.
The clothing rails will be refreshed at regular intervals throughout each day, ensuring all visitors get a chance to find some hidden gems regardless of their time of entry. Guests will be able to purchase as much or as little as they like, with the total cost dependent on the weight of the garments. Prices will start from £5, with a full kilo costing £25.
Brendan Hattam, Westgate centre, said: “With sustainability at the forefront of everyone’s minds, we know that our guests are looking for more climate-conscious ways to shop. That’s why we’re partnering with ‘we are.’ to bring pre-loved fashion to Westgate Oxford in response to the growing popularity of shopping second-hand, while brining our guests a new mix of premium and vintage brands at accessible prices.”
Matthew Griffiths, founder of ‘we are.’ added: “We are thrilled to be launching our kilo sale style pop-up store at Westgate Oxford for the first time, bringing our sustainable shopping experience back to Oxford after a successful pop-up in Oxford Town Hall last year. Millions of perfectly wearable clothes are thrown out each year and we are here to prove that sustainable fashion can help you stay on-trend as well as help save the planet.”
Surprise for commuters as station exhibits heralds launch of NEW World of Jumanji at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Commuters at London’s Waterloo were brought to a standstill this morning (Wednesday, 10th May) as a horde of ‘wild’ mandrill monkeys took over the station.
Usually found in tropical rainforests, four mandrills were spotted nestled in a jungle scene to celebrate the launch of Chessington World of Adventures Resort’s NEW themed land –World of Jumanji, which brings Sony Pictures’s box office hit film franchise of Jumanji to life.
All was not as it seemed though, as the mandrill monkeys were five models whose bodies had been intricately painted and then positioned in the unique living billboard, to resemble the colourful primates in their natural habitat. Hand painted by fine art body painter and master illusionist, Johannes Stötter, the undertaking took nine hours to paint using 20 different brushes of varying sizes. The illusion required paint in a variety of shades, including dark browns and taupe for the mandrills’ fur and vivid reds and royal blues for their prominent muzzles.
The jungle scene that surprised bustling London commuters was created to launch Chessington World of Adventures Resort’s NEW themed land, World of Jumanji, which opens to theme park fans and families on Monday (May 15th). The new land will include the hugely anticipated, Mandrill Mayhem ride, which is the world’s ONLY Jumanji rollercoaster and Chessington’s first to incorporate an inversion.
Mandrill Mayhem will sweep riders from 1.2m tall, up in the long arms of a mandrill, as the horde whisks them around the sites of Jumanji, all while dodging the hazards of the jungle.
The most fearsome of all the wild animals, the mandrills are unpredictable and will launch at full speed through the treetops, flipping upside down on a hair-raising adventure, spiralling to the summit of the 55ft tall Jaguar Shrine. Glimpse the Jaguar’s Eye glow before falling and bracing the adventure again, only this time… backwards!
World of Jumanji is the single largest investment in Chessington’s history and will include two additional rides for families to enjoy – Mamba Strike and Ostrich Stampede – as well as maze of pathways, with some trickier to navigate than others, but all based on the iconic Jumanji board game.
Ramesh Ganeson, Divisional Director at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, said: “With the opening of World of Jumanji just around the corner, we wanted to surprise commuters with our unique mandrill billboard.
“With trains from Waterloo to Chessington taking just half an hour, the station was the ideal location for the horde of mandrills to make their mark! We can’t wait to welcome guests to the NEW Jumanji themed land next week, there is so much in store…”
This weekend, across all locations, Quob Park Estate is welcoming visitors, members and guests to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort
Nestled in a natural clos in the Hampshire countryside, Quob Park is a retreat from the everyday, providing exceptional gourmet experiences as well as creating great wines that bring great pleasure.
Whether you are local to the area or live further afield, Quob Park is planning plenty to commemorate this special weekend…
Celebrations start on Friday, 5th May, with a Commonwealth Wine Tasting – discover a variety of different flavours from around the world as part of a luxurious wine tasting event along with a classic fish and chip supper.
On Coronation Day, watch the full event live on TV screens throughout venues including The Old Tea House, The Old House Hotel and at Quob Park itself. Afternoon Teas and Cheese & Charcuterie Boards are being served with a bottle of Quob Park Sparkling Wine – choose from Classic Cuvée or Rosé Cuvée. The Old Tea House hatch will also have takeaway options alongside ice cream, tea, coffee and cakes.
Quob’s Horse Box will be located on Wickham Square offering Quob Park Sparkling Wine by the glass or bottle – the perfect way to add a bit of sparkle to the celebrations! Additionally, for anyone visiting the square, Quob Park has hundreds of wines and gifting options available – including hampers – from the retail shop of the Old House Hotel (and all items are all available online).
Limited-edition Coronation hampers curated by Quob’s Master Sommelier, Simon Dupaquier-Green, are featured across all retail locations, containing 12 wines from around the UK and the Commonwealth. A Best of British Artisan Cheese Hamper is another perfect addition to weekend merriments.
A useful guide to renovating your dream countryside home
The Dream
You can’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment when you take in the beauty of the countryside. Here, amidst its rolling hills and lush green fields, you know you’re exactly what you’re meant to be; home.
Your imagination runs wild; you can just picture it – a cosy cottage surrounded by mighty oak, a rambling garden filled with vibrant wildflowers and a charming organic vegetable patch. You’ll wake up to the soothing melody of birdsong before stepping outside, coffee in hand, to take in the serene calm of the countryside. In the summer, you’ll bask in the warm sun and gaze upon the tranquil water of the pond, marvelling at the beauty of the dancing dragonflies. When winter arrives, you’ll press your steaming cup of tea against your rosy, frost-kissed cheeks.
As your thoughts return to the present, you may feel a sense of doubt creeping in as you face the sheer magnitude of work required to create the home of your dreams. Taking on a renovation project while balancing work and family life may seem overwhelming, and the “what-ifs” take centre stage. But worry not; with the following advice and a good deal of preparation, you can turn your vision into a reality.
Finding the right property
To begin, first consider whether you wish to take on a new property or if you could instead rejuvenate your home. With a little imagination, your existing property may make for the perfect canvas to actualise your dreams.
If you decide a new property is in order, start by researching different homes available in the area. You can explore online listings, connect with local real estate agents, and attend open house auctions. Take the time to research each property thoroughly and create a list of those that stand out to you. Once you’ve narrowed your list, it’s time to visit each property in person. Spend some time wandering around the area, taking note of the surroundings and the feel of the community. You can also speak with locals to learn more about the area, which may help you to identify any challenges you may encounter during your renovation process.
When considering your budget, keep in mind your renovation goals and financial situation. You want to be realistic about what you can afford, but don’t let this discourage you from envisioning your dream home. With careful budget planning, some creativity, and a willingness to be flexible, you’ll be able to create a home that meets all your needs.
While viewing homes, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and overlook potential faults or niggles with the property. To prevent this, in addition to eliciting the help of a structural surveyor, it would be prudent to bring along a qualified builder to assess the property’s condition and provide a realistic estimate of the cost of any refurbishment work required. This will enable you to set a 10-20% contingency plan for the works and ensure you don’t underestimate the costs involved in making the property habitable. It’s worth noting that you can often negotiate remedial work off the sale price, further reducing your overall costs.
The logistics of searching for a property can be difficult to navigate, particularly if you’re simultaneously selling and buying. If during the home renovation process, you decide to rent or stay with family while searching for your new home or find yourself stuck in a chain, Cinch Self Storage can securely store your belongings for you.
As you move forward with your search, be patient, persistent and optimistic. Remember, this journey may take some time, but it is worth it to find the perfect property. Stay motivated and keep your vision in mind.
Planning your reno
Once you’ve found the perfect canvas, it’s time to plan.
When envisioning your dream home, take the time to think carefully about your needs. You may wish to create two lists: one for your must-haves and one for your nice-to-haves. Draw inspiration from past living experiences to determine what works best for you, and use these insights to fuel your creativity.
You can save time by reviewing floor plans of nearby homes and researching any necessary permits. Take the time to get to know your local community and officials to establish positive relationships, which may help you to achieve your goals. Be sure to submit planning applications well in advance and seek guidance from qualified professionals who have extensive knowledge of the area and previous approvals for similar properties.
If Grand Designs has taught us anything, it’s the importance of finding reliable and trustworthy professionals. We’ve all seen it; ambitious projects are ground to a halt by faulty foundations and contractors who fail to deliver. To avoid finding yourself in the same boat, take your time with your research.
Consider working with vetted local professionals who are likely to have an intimate understanding of the unique requirements and regulations of building in the countryside, especially when it comes to renovating listed homes. Additionally, they may be able to source culturally or historically significant materials from the region, while putting funds back into your local economy.
While it may be tempting to rush the renovation, doing so may lead to unnecessary issues and burnout. By staggering your renovation, you can take the time to plan and execute each project with care and attention to detail.
Creating your blank canvas
Armed with your vision and your plan, you can now prepare your canvas.
Take stock of your belongings and consider each item, noting whether it falls into one of two categories: sentimental or practical. If you can envision yourself using or loving the item in your new home, it’s good to go, otherwise consider donating it to your local charity shop. This is a great time to reflect on what brings value to your life and whether it fits your vision.
Before packing, ensure all items are clean and dry to prevent mould growth. This is especially important if you’re storing items for an extended period. To further protect against moisture, consider using desiccators, such as silica gel bags. Of course, be careful to keep these out of reach of children and pets.
To streamline your moving process, consider keeping an inventory of items in each box by labelling them accordingly. Taking the extra time to label your boxes can help you keep track of your belongings and ensure that nothing gets lost during the move, as well as making the process of unpacking a breeze.
Protecting your belongings
Now that your belongings are packed, you’ll need to find a secure place to store them during your renovation. You may be tempted to store them in a garage or garden shed but be aware that doing so makes them susceptible to damage caused by dampness and wildlife. Critters such as mice can cause significant damage, often seeming to favour family heirlooms, and they are notorious for finding their way through the tiniest of gaps. Thankfully, this issue can be mitigated. Cinch Self Storage Bicester can protect your belongings from the elements with their clean, dry and 24/7 CCTV-monitored storage. No need to worry about pesky critters, dampness or mould.
Laying the foundation
With your blank canvas and belongings safely stored, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and begin the renovation process.
When embarking on a home renovation project, start with the structural foundation to ensure it is safe and can withstand wear and tear. You should assess the overall condition of the home’s foundation and ensure that it’s structurally sound. Be sure to remedy any issues that arise, however small, during this stage. Don’t be tempted to brush potential issues under the carpet as it may result in costly repairs later down the line, forcing you to undo your hard work.
Once the foundation is secure, it’s time to focus on the plumbing and wiring. This includes checking for leaks or damage in the plumbing system and ensuring the electrical wiring is up to code. Upgrading these systems to be more energy-efficient and sustainable can also be a great way to reduce your home’s environmental impact and lower your utility bills.
Choosing your materials
When decorating, consider using sustainable and non-toxic materials. Many commercial paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be harmful to your health. Choosing eco-friendly paints that are low in VOCs can make a massive difference to the health of your home and family.
Following the instructions provided on each product, as well as by professionals, can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure the renovation is safe and successful. With careful planning and the use of sustainable materials, home renovation can be a rewarding process that enhances the overall beauty, functionality, and sustainability of your home.
During the renovation
Throughout the renovation process, stay organised and communicate with your contractor. This means keeping track of progress, deadlines, and any changes that need to be made to the original plan. Regular communication with your contractor can help ensure that the project stays on track and that any issues are addressed promptly.
Taking regular progress photos can help you to track the progress of your renovation, allowing you to see what you’ve achieved and what needs to be actioned. It may offer some protection if legal matters arise. You may even wish to frame your photographs in your new home as a pleasant reminder of your accomplishments.
Be sure to account for the many logistical challenges which can arise during the renovation process, such as running into issues with the delivery and receipt of supplies. The last thing you want is to have to rush home from work to accept delivery of your furniture, only for them to leave it outside, exposed to the elements. Cinch Self Storage are happy to accept deliveries on your behalf, helping you to plan and organise your renovation project around your existing responsibilities.
Once the renovation is complete, have your property inspected to ensure that it meets safety and building code standards. This can help identify any issues that may need to be addressed before the property can be used. If unexpected issues do arise during the final stages of the renovation, stay calm and work with your contractor to find a solution. Remember that unexpected issues can be a part of any renovation process and handling them with a positive attitude and a willingness to find a solution will ensure a successful outcome.
A little elbow grease
By this point of your renovation journey, you’re likely overly eager to jump into the exciting task of making it home, but before doing so, you’ll need to put in a little more elbow grease to ensure that your canvas is clean and safe. It’s crucial to air out your home to reduce indoor air pollution caused by dust, chemicals and paint fumes. Using a HEPA filter can help capture and remove any remaining pollutants, ensuring that your home is clean and healthy for you and your family.
As you clean, pay special attention to areas where debris tends to accumulate, such as corners and baseboards. Use a damp cloth to wipe down any hard surfaces, and don’t forget to vacuum any carpets or rugs thoroughly.
While never a pleasant task, taking the time to deep clean will ensure that your home is free of any debris or harmful particles left over from the renovation, and prevent damage to your belongings that you’ve thus far taken such great care to protect.
Making it a home
When envisioning the style of your home, first, consider the story you wish for it to tell. Do you want your home to be warm, rich and eclectic? Or perhaps light, soft and minimal? How will your home convey your history, passions and values?
Keeping this in mind will help you to look past the fashionable and instead create a home that is a timeless reflection of your personality. It will also make the process of sourcing and curating pieces all that much more enjoyable.
Whether you’re after a contemporary lampshade or an antique apothecary table, consider sourcing pieces locally. Charity shops and antique stores or markets are ideal places to look for characterful, rare and high-quality pieces.
If you’re looking for something new or contemporary, turn to your local artisans. There are bound to be highly talented upholsterers, textile artists, painters or sculptors in your area who would be all too happy to create a bespoke piece for you.
Keep in mind that the right piece will find its way to you. You may have to wait a while but it’s worth it to create a high-quality home that will stand the test of time.
Home, at last
With the renovation behind you, it’s time to collect your belongings and move home.
This may seem like a small logistical step but take pause, as this signifies a fresh start and a new chapter in your life. As you carefully unpack each box and find a place for every item, you are reminded of the dreams and determination that led you to this moment. Go slowly and be present, as this moment of reuniting with your belongings is one you’ll cherish for years to come.
Renovating? Cinch Self Storage are here to help.For more information, please visit Cinch Storage Bicester
Set your alarm for the dawn chorus – one of nature’s most uplifting wonders – with International Dawn Chorus Day this year on Sunday, 7th May.
Experience a symphony of birdsong at your nearest RSPB nature reserve and learn about spectacular wildlife.
Be up with the larks to celebrate International Dawn Chorus Day and enjoy the sounds of RSPB Farnham Health in Tilford, GU10 2DL, on a gentle early morning walk, 5.30am-7.30am on Saturday, 6th May.
The experts will help you appreciate birdsong at this busy time of year for nature, and afterwards enjoy a hot drink and a breakfast bap in the gazebo.
